Out Skerries

The Out Skerries are three tiny islands 4 miles off Whalsay and are Shetland’s most easterly outpost.

Two of the islands, Bruray and Housay, are inhabited with a combined population of around 70 people. The third island Grunay is uninhabited. Bruray and Housay are connected by a bridge. In Old Norse the name Out Skerries means ‘eastern islets’ and in fact the Bound Skerry Lighthouse is just 164 nautical miles from Norway.

The coastline of the Out Skerries combines rugged cliffs, stacks and beaches, while scuba divers are drawn by the numerous wrecks around the coast. Birdwatchers also flock to the Out Skerries since the islands are the first landfall after Norway.